Festival FAQ 2021
Will the festival be virtual or in person?
All films and events will take place virtually with some events taking place in-person.
The full schedule of films and events is available here. In-person events are noted in the schedule. All films and programs will be available to stream virtually, including those with in-person components.
What events will physically take place?
Opening Night will take place at the Queens Drive In. For questions about the Queens Drive-in, please refer to the Rooftop Films FAQ here.
Queens Drive-In at The New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Corona, NY 11368
ReelAbilities Comedy Night will be a hybrid event.
Livestream-only tickets are available here. The event will be available live only. There will not be a recording shared later.
What restrictions will there be regarding COVID-19 at in-person events?
As state and CDC guidelines are updated, ReelAbilities may update our health and safety protocols.
For information about health and safety protocols at the Queens Drive-in, please click here.
For information about health and safety protocols at the JCC, see below.
Masks/face coverings must be worn at all times in all areas of the JCC (including on the roof), and guests must adhere to social distancing guidelines (remain 6 feet apart from those around you), as well as other health and safety protocols outlined below.
Before the event, attendees will receive an email with a link to a health declaration in which they’ll be required to answer questions related to their health status, and acknowledge the risks associated with visiting the JCC.
They’ll need to complete this declaration on the day of the event before their arrival, and display the confirmation on their phone when they check in at the JCC. If one purchases a Pair ticket, both members of the party need to complete the health declaration form.
To view a sample declaration and waiver, click here
There is no eating or drinking permitted on JCC premises.
Once one arrives at the JCC, you must stay on the floor designated for the event (the rooftop). There is an accessible bathroom available. Attendees may also use the bathrooms in the lobby prior to going up to the roof.
Click here for the JCC’s policy for dealing with suspected COVID-19 cases.
What happens when I arrive at the JCC for Comedy Night?
All attendees will enter through the JCC’s Amsterdam Avenue door.
Masks are required for entry and at all times in the building.
Please bring a JCC ID (or other valid photo ID) and proof of your reservation, which can be displayed on your phone.
Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to take a contactless temperature scan. If your temperature is above 100.4 you will not be allowed to attend the event.
A JCC Staff Member will check your ticket and your health declaration for the event and direct you to the appropriate floor via the designated elevator cars.
At the end of the event, attendees will remain in their seat(s) until an usher tells them to go to an elevator.
How much do tickets cost for virtual film screenings? Can events sell out?
Individual tickets for virtual film screenings are available for $12 general admission price. Some events may be free. Yes, event tickets (including for virtual events) are limited and can sell out.
Opening Night tickets start at $45 and can be purchased here. To help support ReelAbilities, you can also purchase tickets with additional perks here.
You can see all of the films you have ordered in your Eventive content library here.
Will there be a festival pass available?
Yes. Passes can be purchased here. Passes are only valid for virtual programs.
How to use a festival pass:
After purchasing a pass, your pass will be connected to your Eventive account. You can now go to our virtual cinema here and order films (be sure to be logged in to your Eventive account).
To use your pass, select “Tickets” and then choose your payment method. To use your pass, use the payment method “Pre-order with “PASS NAME” ($0)”. Our box office team can also assist you, they can be reached at [email protected].
Will there be Q+As with filmmakers?
There will be a live moderated Q+A with filmmakers via Zoom for most films on scheduled dates and times. Audiences will be able to submit questions to panelists during the live Q+A. Recordings of the Q+As will be available as well on our YouTube channel after the festival concludes.
What type of accessibility aids will be available at the festival?
All the films will be streamed on Eventive with open captions and will have audio description versions available. To watch a film with audio description, click the gear in the bottom right corner of your viewing window (after beginning the film). Under the Audio Track dropdown menu, select “Audio Description.” The audio description will automatically begin.
Q+As/conversations will feature live captioning. Some Q+As will include ASL interpretation. If you have specific accessibility questions or requests, please email us at [email protected] at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Opening Night at the Queens Drive-In will also have audio description available. For specific details please email tickets@rooftopfilms
Can I watch films if I’m located outside the US?
No. Due to screening rights restrictions, streamed films and conversations will only be accessible to people located within the US territories.
How do I watch films and Q+As online?
Purchasing a ticket will grant you access to both stream the film and join live Zoom Q+A.
Films can be streamed through the Eventive platform throughout the entire week of the festival. Films have a 72 hour viewing window after unlocking (starting) the film. This viewing window cannot be extended. Please check individual film pages and confirmation emails for exact viewing window restrictions.
Q+As will be live on Zoom, and scheduled in set times throughout the week.
How will I receive access to the film and Q+A?
Films will automatically become available on the Eventive platform.
You will receive an email reminder. You will have a limited window to start watching the film. To start watching a film, go to that film page on Eventive and click the “Watch now” button. Once you begin watching a film, you will have a limited amount of hours to complete your viewing. This viewing window cannot be extended.
Please check individual film pages and confirmation emails for exact viewing window restrictions.
The link to join the Zoom Q+A will be available on the Eventive film page after you purchase a ticket. Note the scheduled time and click on the link to join the event.
Will I be able to ask questions during the Q+A?
Yes. Most live Q+As will take place on Zoom. To address questions to the speakers, please submit them in the chat or click the “raise my hand” button during the meeting. If you are selected – a festival representative will notify you that you can ask a question live. The moderator can then call out your name and unmute your mic to ask your question live.
Can in-person events be accessed virtually too?
Yes. In-person events will be shared online for those who purchase a virtual ticket.
How can I watch a film on my TV?
Please check the Eventive FAQ for specific details.
If you have an Apple TV, Chromecast (3rd gen or later), or a smart TV enabled with AirPlay or Chromecast, set your computer, mobile device or browser to “AirPlay” or “cast” to the TV device. Unlock the program on Eventive Virtual, then set your player window to full-screen using the icon at the lower right.
Chromecast will work on select Android devices, see instructions above. Chromecast on iOS devices are not compatible with the Eventive platform.
You can also directly connect a laptop or computer using an HDMI cable
See Eventive’s detailed instructions for their dedicated Apple TV and Roku apps in their FAQ here.
Important note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature on Smart TVs and other devices cannot be used. Many browsers built into Smart TVs and other devices will NOT allow protected content to play.
Can I share a film streaming link with others?
No. Links to films are only for the individual who purchased a ticket. You may not forward or share the link with others.
Can I watch films and Q+As after their initial start time?
Yes. Films are available to stream throughout the festival. Once you begin watching a film, you will have a limited window to complete your watch. Please double check these restrictions on the film page.
Q+As will be recorded so that they are available for those who cannot join them live.
Zoom instructions for ReelAbilities
To log-in to Q+A:
You will receive a reminder email 1 hour before each film’s start time with a Zoom link to the Q+A. Zoom links are also available on film/program pages on Eventive. Click the Q+A section on your Eventive screen and then select “Enter livestream” to get the Zoom link. You may open the links in advance, but they will only become active at the scheduled start times.
Joining a live Zoom Q+A:
Festival Q+As will take place via Zoom. We recommend downloading the Zoom app in advance onto your computer or smartphone. You can create an account to log-in, but it is not a requirement.
Conversations will become live on the scheduled Q+A start time.
At the scheduled start time, click on the access link sent in the email on the day of the event, enter your email and full name, and the conversation will automatically start once all panelists are ready.
When joining a Q+A via Zoom:
- You will be muted and will be visible to other attendees if you choose to turn on your video.
- You can submit questions to panelists through the chat feature. The moderator will announce once it’s time for panelists to answer audience questions.
- If you are not able to type in your questions, you may use the “Raise your hand” button to be called on by the moderator to ask the question verbally. We cannot guarantee you will be called on.
- You can adjust the closed caption display using by clicking on the “show subtitle” button (see below).
Please engage respectfully. Any inappropriate or offensive conduct or comments during the Q+A may cause you to be removed from the Q+A session by our system administrator.
Live captions for Zoom Q+As
The conversation will be captioned. You may enable the captions by clicking on the “CC” button on the bottom of your screen. You can control the size of your captions by clicking on the arrow next to the “CC” button and adjusting the settings. You may also click on “Show transcript” to display the entire conversation in text form.
Asking questions during Q+As
Once the moderator opens the conversation to audience questions, you may submit a question by typing it in the chat.
If your question is addressed to a specific panelist, please mention who in the beginning of your question.
Please keep questions short and concise.
Please only submit one question.
The moderator will choose which questions to direct to the panelists based on relevance and time restrictions. We do not guarantee all or questions will be answered, or the order in which they are answered.
